Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona

Cruising to Kona offers a chance to explore the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. This shore excursion takes visitors on a journey through the revered Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, the stunning St. Benedict’s Painted Church, and the Royal Kona Coffee Center. With comfortable transportation and a complimentary coffee tasting, it’s an affordable way to take in Kona’s scenic beauty and captivating past. But there’s more to discover beyond this half-day tour.

Key Points

• This half-day tour from Kailua Pier explores the cultural and historical highlights of the Kona region, catering to up to 15 travelers.
• The tour includes visits to the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, the St. Benedict’s Painted Church, and the Royal Kona Coffee Center.
• Guests will learn about the significance of the Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park, a revered sanctuary and ancient place of refuge in Hawaiian history.
• The St. Benedict’s Painted Church showcases a unique blend of religious and Hawaiian cultural elements through its three-dimensional paintings.
• The tour provides air-conditioned transportation, complimentary pickup and drop-off from the port, and an intimate cultural experience for cruise ship passengers.

Tour Overview

The "Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona" is a half-day tour that departs from the Kailua Pier at 10:00 am.

Priced from $79.00 per person, the tour explores the cultural and historical highlights of the Big Island’s Kona region.

Led by Roberts Hawaii, the excursion accommodates up to 15 travelers in an air-conditioned vehicle.

Participants will visit the Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park, the St. Benedict’s Painted Church, and the Royal Kona Coffee Center, gaining insights into Hawaii’s ancient traditions, religious art, and renowned coffee production.

With an average rating of 3.9/5 from 30 reviews, the tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Kona’s heritage.

Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park

Puuhonua o Honaunau National Historical Park stands as a revered sanctuary in Hawaiian history. This ancient place of refuge offered safe haven for lawbreakers who sought absolution from kapu (taboo) violations.

Visitors can explore the park’s archaeological treasures, including temple platforms, royal fishponds, and the towering wooden Ki’i (carved images) that guard the site.

A guided tour unpacks the significance of this sacred ground, where Hawaiians once absolved their sins and sought divine intervention.

The scenic vistas along Honaunau Bay provide a picturesque backdrop to this profound cultural experience.

St. Benedict’s Painted Church

Nestled within the lush landscapes of the Big Island, St. Benedict’s Painted Church stands as a testament to Hawaii’s rich cultural heritage.

Constructed in 1842, this unique place of worship features three-dimensional paintings by Father Velghe, designed to illustrate biblical stories for the church’s illiterate parishioners.

Visitors can marvel at the intricate artwork, which includes depictions of religious scenes and Hawaiian motifs. The experience offers a glimpse into the island’s past, allowing travelers to connect with the spiritual traditions that have shaped the local community.

The church’s tranquil ambiance and historical significance make it a must-see stop on the Kona shore excursion.

• Admire the three-dimensional paintings created by Father Velghe
• Learn about the church’s role in educating illiterate parishioners
• Discover the unique blend of religious and Hawaiian cultural elements

Royal Kona Coffee Center

Situated within the heart of Kona’s coffee-growing region, the Royal Kona Coffee Center offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the process of producing the island’s renowned coffee.

Guests can explore the various stages of coffee production, from harvesting the cherries to roasting and grinding the beans. The center also features a complimentary coffee tasting, allowing travelers to savor the rich, smooth flavors that have made Kona coffee a global favorite.

With its informative exhibits and guided demonstrations, the Royal Kona Coffee Center provides an engaging and educational experience for anyone interested in the secrets behind the perfect cup of Kona coffee.

Transportation and Accessibility

The shore excursion provides air-conditioned transportation with a maximum of 15 travelers, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience.

Pickup and drop-off are complimentary from the port, making the logistics seamless.

While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate without issue.

The experience caters to a wide range of mobility levels, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the cultural and historical highlights of the Kona region.

• Comfortable air-conditioned transportation
• Complimentary pickup and drop-off from the port
• Suitable for most travelers, though not wheelchair accessible

Cancellation Policy and Confirmation

The shore excursion offers a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience. Travelers receive confirmation of their booking unless it’s within 2 days of travel. Plus, the tour operator provides a worry-free guarantee, ensuring timely return to the ship and offering refunds if the ship is delayed.

Cancellation Policy	Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience
Confirmation	Received at booking, unless within 2 days of travel
Worry-free Guarantee	Timely return to ship; refunds available if ship is delayed
Accessibility	Not wheelchair accessible; most travelers can participate
Vehicle	Air-conditioned, maximum 15 travelers

Worry-free Guarantee

As part of the shore excursion’s customer-centric approach, the tour operator provides a worry-free guarantee.

This means that travelers can rest assured they’ll return to their cruise ship on time, even if the ship is delayed. The guarantee also includes a refund policy, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

Key benefits of the worry-free guarantee include:

• Timely return to the ship, no matter the delay.
• Refunds available if the ship is delayed.
• Peace of mind throughout the shore excursion.

This guarantee is designed to enhance the overall experience and cater to the needs of cruise ship passengers.

Customer Feedback

What do travelers have to say about this shore excursion?

Reviews are mixed, with some praising the knowledgeable and humorous guides, like Kawika, as well as the beautiful scenery and historical significance of the locations.

The coffee sampling experience is also enjoyed.

However, some felt the tour lacked depth in historical context.

There were also issues with time management and the amount of time spent at each location.

The guide’s delivery and engagement level received mixed reviews as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary for My Group?

Unfortunately, the Cruise Ship Shore Excursion of Historic Kona is a pre-set itinerary that can’t be customized. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate any special requests or needs within the existing structure of the tour.

Is Photography Allowed at All Locations on the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed at all locations on the tour. Visitors can take photos at the historical park, the painted church, and the coffee center to capture the sights and cultural experiences during the excursion.

What Type of Food and Drinks Are Included During the Excursion?

The excursion includes a complimentary coffee tasting at the Royal Kona Coffee Center, but no other food or drinks are provided. Travelers will need to bring their own snacks and beverages for the duration of the half-day tour.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Special Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions, and most travelers can participate. However, the tour is not wheelchair accessible. Guests should be able to walk short distances and navigate some uneven terrain at the historical sites.

Do I Need to Bring Any Specific Items or Gear for the Tour?

You don’t need any special gear for this tour. Just bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera to capture the scenic views and historical sites along the way. The tour provides all necessary transportation and entrance fees.

The Sum Up

This cruise ship shore excursion of Historic Kona offers a well-rounded experience, allowing visitors to explore the region’s rich cultural and historical heritage. From the sacred Puuhonua O Honaunau National Historical Park to the stunning St. Benedict’s Painted Church and the Royal Kona Coffee Center, this tour provides a comprehensive and affordable way to explore the scenic beauty and captivating history of Kona. The comfortable transportation and complimentary coffee tasting further enhance the overall value of this memorable excursion.